Tecumseh Step Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider factors influencing the results.

Objective

This test aims to monitor the development of the athlete's cardiorespiratory fitness.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

Gym bench or step (8 inches/20.3 cm high)
Stopwatch
Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to step up and down on a bench/step for 3 minutes at a rate of 24 steps/minute

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch, and the athlete commences the test
The assistant helps the athlete maintain the 24 steps/minute pace
The assistant stops the test after 3 minutes
The assistant records the athlete's heart rate 30 seconds after completing the test

Assessment

The following normative data is available for this test.

The following table, adapted from McArdle et al. (2000)^[1], is for Male athletes over 19. (Heart rate is beats/min)

Classification	20-29	30-39	40-49	49+
Excellent	<72	<77	<80	<82
Very Good	72-80	77-81	80-83	82-85
Good	81-85	82-86	84-88	86-90
Fair	86-93	87-94	87-96	91-98
Low	94-102	95-103	97-104	99-106
Poor	>102	>103	>104	>106

The following table, adapted from McArdle et al. (2000)^[1], is for Female athletes over 19. (Heart rate is beats/min)

Classification	20-29	30-39	40-49	49+
Excellent	<86	<87	<88	<90
Very Good	86-89	87-90	88-91	90-94
Good	90-93	91-95	92-97	95-99
Fair	94-105	96-107	98-109	100-111
Low	106-113	108-114	110-115	112-117
Poor	>113	>114	>115	>117

To evaluate the athlete's performance, select the age group and gender, enter the number of beats in 30 seconds and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Age

Gender

Beats in 30 seconds

Assessment -

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's fitness level.

Target Group

This test is suitable for active and sedentary athletes but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to a consistent and stable test measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and therefore, test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

Minimal equipment required
Simple to set up and conduct
Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

Assistant required to administer the test

References

McARDLE, W.D. et al. (2000) Training the anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. In: McARDLE, W.D. et al., 2nd ed. Essentials of Exercise Physiology, USA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, p. 365

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2002) Tecumseh Step Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/tecumseh.htm [Accessed 26/3/2025]

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